In October 2019, at ECPR's Harbour House headquarters, we held a special symposium celebrating ECPR founder Jean Blondel's 90th birthday, and his stellar career.
Organised by Ferdinand Müller-Rommel, the symposium explored Jean’s contribution to the establishment of the University of Essex and ECPR, his work at the EUI, and his role in the development of comparative politics.
David Sanders, Ian Budge, Andreas Frijdal, Maurizio Cotta and Ferdinand himself shared their own personal memories of working with Jean, and summarised the pivotal role he has played in the discipline. Emil Kirchner, Sabine Busse, Jean-Louis Thiébault, Martin Bull, Judy Budge, Jean's wife Tess and daughter Dominique Blondel also joined the symposium and the lunch, which of course included a special 90th birthday cake for Jean.
Continuing our 50th celebrations, ECPR Chair Kris Deschouwer presented Jean Blondel with a commemorative frame to be hung in Harbour House, along with one for each of our other founders.
Watch a short video of the day here.
